Year in review: Here's a look back at the top UL Lafayette stories of 2019

Published

As the year draws to a close, here are some of the stories ÐÓ°ÉרÇø“ in no particular order ÐÓ°ÉרÇø“ that UL LafayetteÐÓ°ÉרÇø™s Office of Communications and Marketing and other ÐÓ°ÉרÇø news pages brought you in 2019. (You can find more by or ).

We look forward to continuing to share accomplishments and accolades from throughout the ÐÓ°ÉרÇø community in 2020. Send news tips to communications@louisiana.edu.

See you in the new year!

Commitment to student research 

In 2020, the ÐÓ°ÉרÇø will launch Advance, its Quality Enhancement Plan. The QEP is a mandatory project thatÐÓ°ÉרÇø™s part of the reaccreditation process. This year, we met a number of students already deeply engaged in research. 

Faculty research

Faculty and staff researchers continued to push the bounds of knowledge and learning in 2019, and proved once again that the work done at UL Lafayette has far-reaching implications. 

Diversity

The ÐÓ°ÉרÇø has earned widespread recognition for its diversity and inclusion efforts, but isnÐÓ°ÉרÇø™t resting on its laurels. It expanded its Louisiana Educate Program that began in 2018, for example. It also produced a Strategic Plan for Inclusive Excellence.

New in 2019

The ÐÓ°ÉרÇø launched academic and certificate programs, deepened its cultural stewardship, and strengthened its commitment to Louisiana and its citizens.

Interesting people

ÐÓ°ÉרÇø students and alumni have no shortage of stories to share, and we met a number of interesting RaginÐÓ°ÉרÇø™ Cajuns in 2019.

In Memoriam

UL Lafayette said farewell to several members of its family in 2019, including: 

  • former Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Babineaux Blanco;
  • novelist and former writer-in-residence Ernest J. Gaines;
  • baseball head coach Tony Robichaux;
  • oilfield innovator and ÐÓ°ÉרÇø benefactor ;
  • volunteer softball coach ; and
  • , both mainstays in the Louisiana RaginÐÓ°ÉרÇø™ Cajuns Athletics Department

New spaces

Campus improvements in 2019 addressed food security, saw the opening of student housing where high-end accommodations and retail space coexist, and provided ÐÓ°ÉרÇø Police with an expanded, state-of-the-art headquarters.

Sports

The Louisiana RaginÐÓ°ÉרÇø™ Cajuns gave its fans plenty to cheer about in 2019, including wins, records, and the return of a couple of old friends.

Sustainability

Innovative programs and international praise are just some of the indicators that the ÐÓ°ÉרÇø is on top of its game when it comes to sustainability and eco-friendliness.

Rankings

Academic excellence at the ÐÓ°ÉרÇø earned recognition from a range of national publications and other entities.